Managed by a Board of Trustees, this small charity was established in 1999. It exists as an educational training centre in horticulture for disabled and disadvantaged people and services the local areas of Guildford, Mytchett, Farnborough, Camberley, Woking, Farnham and Godalming.

Through the generosity of Guildford Borough Council, an acre of derelict ground was given to the charity.  It forms part of a 33-acre community complex called Manor Fruit Farm under development by the parish council.

By fundraising over four years we now have a Centre of which we can be justly proud of and which is fully wheelchair accessible throughout. A modular building provides a classroom and yhe usual offices and a fine terrace adjoins. A central pathway leads to a 60ft x 30ft polytunnel, fitted with ergonomic staging and tutorial area. Greenhouses, two lottery-funded "keders" a tool store, raised beds, soft fruit garden and a fine sensory garden constructed by the British Association of Landscape Industries as a Millennium gift to us completes the scene.

Our Aim

Through the medium of gardening and horticulture we aim to help socially disadvantaged people with long term or limiting physical disability or learning difficulties.  We help our clients to achieve personal fulfilment and self-reliance by undertaking productive gardening – and having fun!

We strive to build on existing skills and to teach new approaches, offering expert advice.

Training

• We are an accredited Centre, approved to deliver Vocational Training in the form of the National Proficiency Test Certificate/City and Guilds Skills for Working Life in Horticulture.
• As a Day Centre we give our clients the opportunity (if they wish) to obtain this recognised qualification, which can be a launch pad for further training or employment.

Therapeutic Horticulture

For people with a health need we can offer a personalised programme of horticultural activity under the watchful and caring eye of our staff.  In this manner we can help people who are rebuilding their lives after an accident or illness, for example a stroke.

For older individuals we can demonstrate techniques which make gardening easier, whilst retaining the benefits of healthy exercise.

Comments

“Normandy has given Hugo so much pleasure, self confidence and a real direction for his future – thank you so much for everything.” – Mrs S Fillery

“Thanks to the skilled and sensitive staff, our son has gained knowledge and pride in his work.” – Mrs N Horne

“Thanks for all the support and help that our son has experienced at your Centre.  Not only did he gain much gardening experience, evidenced by way of his contribution in our garden, but he also got confidence, communication and the ability to act on instructions.” – Mr I Carley

Clients find us by several routes:

• Via Social Services referral
• From Primary Care Trusts
• From Special Schools
• From Residential Homes
• Via Employability
• Self Referral

Besides our Training Programmes we Offer:

Individual Rehabilitation Programmes

Care Voucher Scheme

‘Out of School’ for children and young people

School Group Visits

Club, Societies and Association Visits

Work Experience

Horticultural Workshops

Individual Volunteering

Please discuss your requirements with the Centre Manager:

• Attendance to suit – half day/whole day
• Introductory trial sessions

Confidentiality is assured at all times

Our staff are very caring and

we have the flexibility to

accommodate individual needs!

No previous experience is necessary